Jugraj to be sent to US for physiotherapy

Short corner expert Jugraj Singh would be sent to the United States for physiotherapy and rehabilitation, Indian Olympic Association secretary general Randhir Singh said at New Delhi on Tuesday.

Jugraj, who is recovering in a hospital in Ludhiana after suffering multiple fractures in a car crash earlier this month, would be treated by Ed Ryan, chief doctor of the US Olympic Committee's medical council at Colorado Springs, he said.

"Jugraj is fast recovering. As per the suggestions of the doctors treating him, we have decided to send him to the US where he can get the best possible medical attention," Randhir Singh said.

The IOA secretary general said he will be faxing a request letter in this regard to the US Olympic Committee later in the day and courier a CD-Rom containing details about the player's operation and other information regarding the treatment.

Randhir Singh also said that since Jugraj is ready to undertake the long travel, he will be sent for physiotherapy as soon as IOA receives a reply from the US Olympic Council.

"Since IOA is making the request, I hope the US Council won't have any problem in allowing their chief doctor take the responsibility."

Meanwhile, the Sport Ministry today made it clear that money would not be a hindrance in the treatment of the player, who has been ruled out of action for at least three to four months due to the injury.

"The ministry has already released Rs one lakh to meet the player's immediate needs," B K Mishra, Joint Secretary in the Sports Ministry, said.

"The Sports Minister has already announced that it will bear all the expenses incurred during the treatment of Jugraj. The Punjab government, Indian Hockey Federation and the Indian Olympic Association have also shown keen interest in the player's treatment."

Mishra said the Ministry has asked the Dayanand Medical College Hospital, where Jugraj is undergoing treatment, to furnish details about the condition of the 20-year-old player.

Jugraj, who played a stellar role in India's campaign in last month's Champions Trophy in Amstelveen, Holland, broke his right thigh bone and right elbow when he met with an accident on the night of September two in Jalandhar.

The mishap forced him to miss the ongoing Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur. He is also unlikely to play in the upcoming Afro-Asia n Games, starting in Hyderabad from October 24.